2011 Bill of Rights Day Haiku Challenge

Submissions were made via email, facebook, etc – they are grouped by Amendment, where specified or obvious. In the spirit of the 1st Amendment, haiku are published verbatim, and may not reflect the views of the ACLU of Hawaii, and may not be suitable for all readers. Inspired? (we are!) Is your favorite Amendment still not haikued? Add your voice! Submit YOUR haiku to office@acluhawaii.org!

1st Amendment: Establishment Clause, Free Exercise Clause, freedom of speech, of the press, and of assembly; right to petition

I worship a godYou worship no god at allWe are both welcome – Example haikuFreedom of Speechhammering her edge of truthFoundry of Sky. – @apwpoet (via Twitter)How happy that free speech spans a White House peace protestand zombie costumes (http://reason.com/blog/2010/02/26/zombie-wrongfully-detained-hav) – Veronica Lorson FowlerExpressed alouddisdain for current policy.No cops, no worries. – Benjamin William AllenOur freedom of speechBy Citizens UnitedHas been perverted – James PalmerThe First AmendmentKeeps church and state separate.May it always be.
– Jeff MillerNever surrenderBasic rights out of fearOf an opinion – Rene CanhamFree speech rights: secure?Only if we’re vigilant.Otherwise, – Bill Dingfelder The need for money To win elective officeKills democracy – James PalmerThe rights of conscienceA wall of separationSov’reign reverence – SkepticlesFreedom to Assemble, Speak out or to write, We died for and live for, penned here black and white. – Maurice Friedman/Bard Of Earth One person standing,Dissenting, opposed but safe:The right to be heard. – Carolyn Jackson (this haiku also inspired by 5th and 14th Amendments)I do not like youyou can say or opineI may say the same – Priya VaraprathSpeak now for all timebe silent for no oneOur first amendment – Carol BainFreedom of conscience
Government may not offend
Fight for civil rights – Holly HuberNo paper tigeror parchment barrierprotects if silent – Carol BainState and church don’t mixFirst Amendment is the fixKeep church out of state – Mitch KahleYou annex my landI occupy the Thom. SquareI’m the one wrong – Derek JWI speak my truth,a voice cries for justice,Justice is truth for both. – Barbara FranklinPulled over by copTold him he was full of shitPunched me in the eye – AnonymousTo free human soulsTrue rights of We the PeopleThis we live and breathe – Will EsperoUse it or lose itChoose to not remain silentUnless arrested – Elmer Gantry

Commas screw it up:Yes, Virginia, there is nosanity clause there. – Bill DingfelderThe Founding FathersCould not foresee machine gunsInstead of flintlocks – James PalmerThe right to bear arms.A conundrum for us all.We need a balance. – AnonymousThe right to bare arms? Michele Obama OWNS it!That’s not what you meant? – CAHI may own a gunThe second amendment says,But I don’t want one. – Keene ReesFight for one’s nationProtection of familyWe defend with arms – Will EsperoGod Damn It To HellPut new handgun in pocketShot my own foot off – AnonymousThe right to bear arms?I’d take gorilla instead.Stronger, with fingers. – Anonymous3rd Amendment: Protection from quartering of troops Uninvited troopsTaking up the couch. Hey, pleasedon’t block my TV. – Bill Dingfelder